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SCALE: 1/144 |
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INITIAL RELEASE: 2005 |
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MEDIUM: Resin |
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RARITY: (2) |
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LENGTH: 16" |
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Atomic-Powered Bomber Reaches Fail-Safe Point |
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ABOUT THE DESIGN |
ABOUT THE KIT |
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On Feb. 7, 1955, LIFE Magazine
featured a multi-page spread about the U.S. Air Force's program to build a
long-range nuclear bomber powered by atomic energy. The article
featured illustrations of such an aircraft as conceived by a group of
aeronautical specialists the magazine assembled just for this feature story.
The designers' concept was of a large delta-winged plane with a compact,
egg-shaped atomic reactor situated just forward of the tail section.
To protect the two-man crew from radiation, the cockpit was located at the
end of an over-long, wild goose-like fuselage, which contained extra
shielding just aft of the crew compartment. Servicing of the aircraft was to be done in a mountainside hangar, the cockpit and aft sections separated by a thick, shielded wall. All maintenance of the nuclear reactor would be done by remote-controlled robotic devices. In the article, experts speculated that the first atomic-powered bomber would be flown by the year 1960. |
This is the second model kitted by Fantastic Plastic Models. Mastered by Scott Lowther and cast by Controlled Energy Designs, the kit has 10 pieces, including a clear resin cockpit. Decals are by JBOT. A "desktop" model, the American Atomic-Powered Bomber is designed to be displayed in the in-flight, wheels-up configuration. A display stand, inspired by the classic Aurora stands of the 1960s, is also available. Both the American Atomic-Powered Bomber kit and the display stand are still available for purchase in the Fantastic Plastic Virtual Museum Gift Shop. This model was built from an original issue. |
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Original Box Art |
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